PlantSea-Punnet: a versatile seaweed-based packaging

Over 275 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year. Plastic used in packaging of food items accounts for one of the largest contributory groups of plastic packaging waste. In the UK, adults throw away 16.5 billion plastic trays, at an estimated 250,000 tonnes. From the UK grocery market, fruit and vegetable packaging accounts for 38,000 tons per year.

Building on our success in developing cutting edge, sustainable and compostable materials, the development of the PlantSea-Punnet, the first seaweed-based fully compostable, food-safe sustainable packaging concept for fresh produce, can prevent 22,800 tons of plastic reaching landfill and polluting the environment.

PlantSea-Punnet is also a low carbon solution to plastic. Emissions from the life cycle of plastic are expected to reach 6.5 billion tonnes CO2e per year. Using our innovative approach and expertise is sustainable material production, PlantSea-Punnet could save 990,000 tonnes CO2e per year.

Having produced prototypes in our laboratory, this project enables us to refine its material composition and work with our key partners to ensure delivery of this concept at scale. This will enable us to provide a functional solution that can make a significant impact in reducing plastic waste.